Trial date set for man accused of murdering ‘Good Samaritan’

Hassan Jhangur, 23, has appeared before Sheffield Crown Court accused of murdering Chris Marriott, who was hit by a car as he went to help a woman.

Hassan Jhangur appeared before a judge at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday morning charged with murder and five counts of attempted murder (Danny Lawson/PA) (PA Wire)

A 23-year-old man will go on trial later this year after he was charged with the murder of a “Good Samaritan”, who died after being hit by a car while trying to help a stranger.

Father-of-two Chris Marriott, 46, died last week after he went to the aid of a woman he saw unconscious in the street during a disturbance in the Burngreave area of Sheffield, police have said.

As he tended to the woman on College Close on Wednesday afternoon, a car ploughed into the crowd, leaving a number of people injured.

Hassan Jhangur, of Whiteways Road, Sheffield appeared before a judge at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday morning charged with murder and five counts of attempted murder.

No pleas were entered but Jhangur’s barrister, Richard Davies, said the preliminary indication was that he will be pleading not guilty.

The people named in the attempted murder charges are Hasan Khan, Alison Norris, Ambreen Jhangur, Nafeesa Jhangur and Riasat Khan.

Ms Norris is a midwife who also went to help at the scene.

Jhangur appeared via video-link.

Sporting dark hair and a beard, he was wearing a dark sweatshirt and had a cast on his right lower arm as he sat at a desk for the appearance.

He spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood what the judge told him.

Chris would be amazed (and no doubt embarrassed) at the attention his actions have generated, but would also loved to have seen how friends, neighbours and complete strangers have come together to show support for his family and help financially

Judge Graham Reeds KC remanded Jhangur in custody at the end of the 10 minute long hearing and told him his trial will begin on July 15, with a time estimate of four weeks.

The defendant was told he will next appear in court for a plea and case management hearing on March 25.

A GoFundMe appeal launched on Friday to financially support Mr Marriott’s family has smashed its £5,000 target, raising more than £40,000 by Tuesday morning.

A message attributed to Mr Marriott’s family, posted on the fundraiser page, says: “We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support being shown for Chris, and appreciate every comment and donation.

“Chris would be amazed (and no doubt embarrassed) at the attention his actions have generated, but would also loved to have seen how friends, neighbours and complete strangers have come together to show support for his family and help financially. Thank you so much.”

Mr Marriott has been described as a “Good Samaritan” by police.

He was IT manager for the charity Community Money Advice (CMA) and was also heavily involved with City Church, in Sheffield, as well as the Jubilee Food Bank, Voluntary Action Sheffield, and was a trustee of MASKK (Manor and Castle After School and Kids Klubs), in the city.

“What can we say but how heartbroken we are at the loss of our Chris,” the fundraiser organised by Andrew Dancy and Heather Keates, the founder and CEO of CMA, states.

“A man who loved people.

“His kindness, work ethic, generosity and willingness to walk people through the intricacies of setting up IT were part and parcel of what made him who he was and therefore much loved and irreplaceable.

“His (sic) died whilst administering first aid to a stranger putting their needs before his own safety and as the news outlets are saying ‘a true good samaritan’.”

Police said Mr Marriott was out for a post-Christmas walk with his wife and two young sons when the tragedy unfolded, just after 2pm on Wednesday.

Several other people suffered injuries during the incident – which followed reports of a disturbance in the street – including Ms Norris, an off-duty midwife who had also stopped to help.

Police said on Tuesday that one woman remains in hospital following the incident and she is in a serious condition.